Raise a glass to wine month
John Rieping/The Madera Tribune
Cindy Schafer, co-owner of San Joaquin Wine Company, pours a sample of wine for a Wine Showcase Day on Sept. 2. Local vintners and wine enthusiasts will celebrate California Wine Month at Birdstone Winery on Friday.
As the wineries in Madera make ready for the annual grape crush, Gov. Jerry Brown has designated September California Wine Month. Designated to acknowledge and honor the state’s rich wine history and the contributions of its vintners and growers to the lifestyle and economy of the Golden State.
Guests can celebrate our local wineries with culturally-diverse food paired with the great wines that have elevated Madera’s boutique vintners and their products to award winning, world class status, according to Therese Williams public relations director for Visit Yosemite Madera County.
A celebration will be held 6 to 9 p.m. Friday at the recently refurbished and expanded event center at Birdstone Winery, 9400 Road 36, Madera.
Attendees will hear the live music of Jazz Xperiment while tasting local vintages with gourmet food from area eating establishments.
California State University Fresno viticulture and enology student recipients of the MVA student grant scholarships will be recognized.
“Event proceeds benefit the Madera Vintners Association’s scholarship program,” said Walt Whelan, president of Madera Vintners Association. “Each year the MVA awards financial aid to students in the viticulture and enology programs at California State University, Fresno, encouraging those continuing in our rich wine heritage.”
Tickets are $35 and include wine tasting and food. Designated Driver tickets are $25 to include food and complimentary waters.
“We have award winning wines in Madera County and we enjoy sharing these wines with the thousands of visitors from all over the world and to let them know that we are more than just Yosemite National Park,” Rhonda Salisbury, CEO of Visit Yosemite Madera County.
For tickets or information, visit www.MaderaWineTrail.com. For information about California Wine Month, visit www.DiscoverCaliforniaWines.com/Californiawinemonth. Free event vendor space is available at maderawinetrail.com/vendors.'
The Southern Yosemite Visitors Bureau formed in 1985 and has changed its name to Visit Yosemite | Madera County to more accurately reflect its mission to promote all there is to see and do in both Yosemite and Madera County.
